Are you planning a trip to Hanoi, the bustling capital city of Vietnam? While there is plenty to see and do within the city itself, one of the best ways to truly experience the culture and beauty of this country is by taking a day trip from Hanoi. With its central location in northern Vietnam, Hanoi serves as the perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 10 day trips from Hanoi that will give you a taste of the diverse landscapes, history, and culture of this region.
Contents
- 1 Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour Full Day
- 2 Day Trips to Halong Bay — For UNESCO Heritage Seascape Cruises
- 3 Day Trips to Bat Trang Village — For Local Pottery
- 4 Day Trips to Duong Lam Ancient Village
- 5 Day Trips to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
- 6 Day Trips to Cuc Phuong National Park — For a Green Paradise
- 7 Day Trips to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- 8 Day Trips to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi
- 9 Day Trips to Mai Chau Valley from Hanoi
- 10 Day Trips to Tam Dao – A “Da Lat” in Northern Vietnam
- 11 Conclusion
Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour Full Day
No trip to Hanoi is complete without indulging in the delicious street food that the city has to offer. And what better way to experience it than on a walking tour? This full-day tour will take you through the narrow alleys and bustling markets of Hanoi, where you will get to sample a variety of local dishes such as pho, banh mi, and bun cha. Your knowledgeable guide will also provide insights into the history and culture behind each dish, making this not just a food tour, but a cultural experience as well.
The Best Street Food in Hanoi
Hanoi is known for its vibrant street food scene, with countless vendors lining the streets and alleyways. Here are some must-try dishes on your walking tour:
- Pho – This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup is a staple in Hanoi. Made with rice noodles, beef or chicken broth, and various herbs and spices, pho is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up on a chilly day.
- Banh Mi – A popular Vietnamese sandwich, banh mi is a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. It typically consists of a baguette filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
- Bun Cha – Another classic Hanoi dish, bun cha is a flavorful combination of grilled pork, rice noodles, and fresh herbs, served with a side of dipping sauce.
Tips for Your Street Food Walking Tour
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking for several hours.
- Bring an appetite! The portions are small, but you will be trying many different dishes.
- Be adventurous and try new things. You never know what delicious surprises you may discover.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Pho | Noodle soup with beef or chicken broth, herbs, and spices |
| Banh Mi | Sandwich with various meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs |
| Bun Cha | Grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs, served with dipping sauce |
Day Trips to Halong Bay — For UNESCO Heritage Seascape Cruises
Just a few hours from Hanoi lies one of the most iconic natural wonders of Vietnam – Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and thousands of islands and islets. A day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi is the perfect way to experience this breathtaking seascape.
What to Expect on a Halong Bay Cruise
Most day trips to Halong Bay from Hanoi include a cruise through the bay, with stops at some of the most scenic spots. Here are some highlights of a typical Halong Bay day trip:
- Thien Cung Cave – Also known as the Heavenly Palace Cave, this is one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay. It features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by colorful lights.
- Titov Island – This small island offers panoramic views of Halong Bay from its peak. You can also take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or relax on the beach.
- Floating Villages – Get a glimpse of the daily life of the local fishermen by visiting one of the floating villages in Halong Bay. You can even take a ride on a traditional bamboo boat.
Tips for Your Halong Bay Day Trip
- Book your tour with a reputable company to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as it can get hot and sunny on the boat.
- Pack a swimsuit if you want to take a dip in the bay.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Thien Cung Cave | One of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay |
| Titov Island | Offers panoramic views and a beach for swimming |
| Floating Villages | Get a glimpse of local life and take a ride on a traditional bamboo boat |
Day Trips to Bat Trang Village — For Local Pottery
For those interested in traditional Vietnamese crafts, a day trip to Bat Trang Village is a must. Located just outside of Hanoi, this village is known for its centuries-old tradition of pottery making. Here, you can witness the process of creating beautiful ceramics and even try your hand at making your own piece.
Exploring Bat Trang Village
A typical day trip to Bat Trang Village will include a visit to one of the many pottery workshops, where you can see skilled artisans at work. You can also browse through the shops and purchase some unique souvenirs to bring back home. Some tours also offer the opportunity to participate in a pottery-making class, where you can create your own masterpiece under the guidance of a local expert.
Tips for Your Bat Trang Village Day Trip
- Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty during the pottery-making class.
- Bring cash as most shops and workshops do not accept credit cards.
- Negotiate prices when purchasing items from the shops.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Pottery Workshop Visit | See skilled artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs |
| Pottery-Making Class | Create your own piece under the guidance of a local expert |
Day Trips to Duong Lam Ancient Village
For a glimpse into rural life in Vietnam, take a day trip to Duong Lam Ancient Village. This well-preserved village is located about 45 km from Hanoi and is known for its traditional architecture and way of life. It is also the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings, making it a historically significant site.
Exploring Duong Lam Ancient Village
A visit to Duong Lam Ancient Village will transport you back in time with its narrow alleys, ancient houses, and communal temples. You can also try some local specialties such as banh te (rice cake) and che lam (sweet soup). Some tours also offer the opportunity to participate in traditional farming activities, giving you a hands-on experience of rural life in Vietnam.
Tips for Your Duong Lam Ancient Village Day Trip
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring cash as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities in the village.
- Respect the locals and their way of life by not taking photos without permission.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Village Tour | Explore the ancient houses, temples, and try local specialties |
| Traditional Farming Activities | Get a hands-on experience of rural life in Vietnam |
Day Trips to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
Ninh Binh, also known as “Halong Bay on land,” is a picturesque province just a few hours from Hanoi. It is home to stunning landscapes, including limestone karsts, rice paddies, and winding rivers. A day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is the perfect way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature.
What to See and Do in Ninh Binh
A typical day trip to Ninh Binh will include a boat ride through the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This scenic boat ride takes you through caves and past towering limestone cliffs. You can also visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where you can see temples dedicated to the first two Vietnamese emperors.
Tips for Your Ninh Binh Day Trip
- Bring insect repellent as there may be mosquitoes on the boat ride.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will be getting on and off the boat.
- Respect the rules and regulations of the Trang An Grottoes to help preserve this natural wonder.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Trang An Grottoes Boat Ride | Scenic boat ride through caves and past limestone cliffs |
| Hoa Lu Ancient Capital | Visit temples dedicated to the first two Vietnamese emperors |
Day Trips to Cuc Phuong National Park — For a Green Paradise
Nature lovers will not want to miss a day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park. Located about 120 km from Hanoi, this is the oldest national park in Vietnam and is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. A day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature.
Exploring Cuc Phuong National Park
A day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park typically includes a guided hike through the forest, where you can spot various species of plants and animals. The park is also home to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where you can see rare primates such as the Delacour’s langur. You can also visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man, where ancient human remains have been found.
Tips for Your Cuc Phuong National Park Day Trip
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for hiking.
- Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Respect the rules and regulations of the park to help preserve its natural beauty.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided Hike | Spot various species of plants and animals in the forest |
| Endangered Primate Rescue Center | See rare primates such as the Delacour’s langur |
| Cave of Prehistoric Man | Visit the site where ancient human remains were found |
Day Trips to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
For a taste of Vietnam’s rich history, take a day trip to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. This was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, known for its temples and pagodas.
What to See in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
A visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital will include stops at the two main temples – Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Dai Hanh Temple. These temples are dedicated to the first two emperors of the Dinh and Le dynasties, respectively. You can also explore the surrounding area, which is dotted with rice paddies and limestone mountains.
Tips for Your Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Day Trip
- Dress respectfully when visiting the temples.
- Bring cash as there may be entrance fees for the temples.
- Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the ancient capital.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Dinh Tien Hoang Temple | Dedicated to the first emperor of the Dinh dynasty |
| Le Dai Hanh Temple | Dedicated to the second emperor of the Le dynasty |
Day Trips to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi
The Perfume Pagoda is a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines located in the Huong Tich mountains, about 60 km from Hanoi. This sacred site is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, especially during the annual Perfume Pagoda Festival.
Exploring the Perfume Pagoda
A day trip to the Perfume Pagoda typically includes a boat ride along the Yen River and a hike up to the main temple, Huong Tich Cave. Along the way, you will pass by several smaller temples and pagodas, each with its own unique history and significance. The hike can be challenging, but the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere make it worth it.
Tips for Your Perfume Pagoda Day Trip
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for hiking.
- Bring cash as there may be entrance fees for some of the temples.
- Respect the sacredness of the site by following the rules and regulations.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Boat Ride | Along the Yen River to the base of the Perfume Pagoda |
| Hike to Huong Tich Cave | Visit the main temple and pass by smaller temples and pagodas |
Day Trips to Mai Chau Valley from Hanoi
For a taste of rural life in Vietnam, take a day trip to Mai Chau Valley. Located about 135 km from Hanoi, this picturesque valley is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the White Thai people. A day trip to Mai Chau Valley is the perfect way to experience the local culture and natural beauty of northern Vietnam.
What to See and Do in Mai Chau Valley
A typical day trip to Mai Chau Valley will include a visit to one of the traditional stilt houses, where you can learn about the daily life of the White Thai people. You can also take a bike ride through the valley, passing by rice paddies and lush greenery. Some tours also offer the opportunity to participate in a cooking class, where you can learn to make traditional dishes using local ingredients.
Tips for Your Mai Chau Valley Day Trip
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for biking.
- Bring cash as there may be entrance fees for some activities.
- Respect the locals and their way of life by following their customs and traditions.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Stilt House Visit | Learn about the daily life of the White Thai people |
| Bike Ride | Through the valley, passing by rice paddies and lush greenery |
| Cooking Class | Learn to make traditional dishes using local ingredients |
Day Trips to Tam Dao – A “Da Lat” in Northern Vietnam
Located about 85 km from Hanoi, Tam Dao is a mountainous town known for its cool climate and stunning natural scenery. It has been compared to Da Lat, a popular tourist destination in southern Vietnam, due to its similar climate and landscape. A day trip to Tam Dao is the perfect escape from the heat and chaos of Hanoi.
What to See and Do in Tam Dao
A day trip to Tam Dao will include a visit to the Tam Dao National Park, where you can hike through the forest and enjoy panoramic views from the summit. You can also visit the Silver Waterfall, which cascades down the mountainside and is a popular spot for photos. For those interested in history, there is also a French colonial church that is worth a visit.
Tips for Your Tam Dao Day Trip
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for hiking.
- Bring insect repellent as there may be mosquitoes in the forest.
- Respect the rules and regulations of the national park to help preserve its natural beauty.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Hike in Tam Dao National Park | Enjoy panoramic views from the summit |
| Visit Silver Waterfall | A popular spot for photos |
| Explore French Colonial Church | Learn about the history of the town |
Conclusion
Hanoi is a vibrant and exciting city, but to truly experience the beauty and diversity of northern Vietnam, you must venture beyond its borders. These top 10 day trips from Hanoi offer a taste of everything this region has to offer – from delicious street food to stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural experiences. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of northern Vietnam on these unforgettable day trips from Hanoi.